Republic Day 2025: From Gallantry Awards to President’s Police Medals, awards that will be given on January 26

President Droupadi Murmu will lead the nation in celebrating the 76th Republic Day from Kartavya Path today with a special focus on 75 years of enactment of the Constitution and Jan Bhagidari. 

The celebrations this year will be a unique blend of India's rich cultural diversity, unity, equality, development and military prowess. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will be the Chief Guest. 

10,000 Special Guests will grace the occasion as part of the government’s ‘jan bhagidari’.  Republic Day has been a day to recognise the bravery of both armed personnel and civilians. Armed personnel are honoured for their exceptional courage in the field, while civilians are honoured for their acts of courage in different situations.  

Gallantry Awards 

The President of India recognizes the bravery and valor of the country's military personnel by conferring six prestigious awards. These awards are divided into two categories: wartime and peacetime gallantry awards. 

- Wartime Gallantry Awards: 

    - Param Vir Chakra: India's highest military decoration, awarded for displaying distinguished acts of valor during wartime. 

    - Mahavir Chakra: The second-highest gallantry award for acts of distinct gallantry in the around the enemy. 

    - Vir Chakra: India's third-highest wartime gallantry medal, Vir Chakra is awarded for acts of bravery when the soldier is facing the enemy. 

- Peacetime Gallantry Awards: 

    - Ashoka Chakra: The highest peacetime gallantry award, given for valor, courageous action, or self-sacrifice. 

    - Kirti Chakra: Awarded for distinct gallantry otherwise than in the face of the enemy. The award can be conferred upon individuals from various backgrounds, including military personnel, ordinary citizens, police officers, central paramilitary forces, and Railway Protection Force personnel. 

    - Shaurya Chakra: Given for gallantry otherwise than in the face of the enemy, and is third in order of precedence of peacetime gallantry awards. 

The President of India is honoring several army officials for their exceptional bravery and service. Notable awardees include 14 Corps Commander Lt Gen PGK Menon, 15 Corps Commander Lt Gen Devendra Pratap Pandey, Leh airbase Chief Operations Officer Group Captain Ajay Rathi, and Army Vice Chief-designate Lt Gen Manoj Pande, among others. These individuals are being recognized for their outstanding, courageous, and gallant acts in their respective fields. 

The President’s Police Medals 

The police medals, initially known as the President's Police and Fire Service Medal, were instituted on March 1, 1951. These awards recognize exceptional service by police personnel, regardless of rank or tenure. The President confers three types of police medals: for meritorious service, distinguished service, and gallantry, to honor outstanding law enforcement personnel across the country. 

The President’s Fire Medals 

The President’s Fire Medals are similar to the President’s Police Medals and are awarded to the fire department.  

Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 

The PM Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is awarded to children under 18 who have demonstrated exceptional achievements in areas like innovation, academics, social service, arts and culture, bravery, or sports. This year, 29 children received the prestigious award. 

Padma Awards 

The Padma Awards were introduced in 1954 to recognize Indian citizens for their exceptional contributions in fields such as education, arts, literature, science, acting, social service, and public affairs. 

These awards are categorized into three levels based on the magnitude of achievement: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. 

Correctional Service Medal 

The President recognizes prison personnel with awards in three categories: "Distinguished Service," "Meritorious Service," and "Gallantry Medals," for their contributions to the country’s correctional facilities. 

Civil Defense & Home Guards Medals 
 On Tuesday, 25 personnel and volunteers were honored with the Home Guard & Civil Defense Medals for their dedicated service. 

Jeevan Raksha Padak 
 This award is presented to individuals who have saved someone’s life, especially in situations involving drowning, fire, or natural disasters. It is given to civilians who demonstrate courage and prompt action in life-saving efforts, even when faced with the risk of serious injury.